First Growth Capital, a division of First Capital, announced the hiring of Shane O’Grady and Viet Ho as vice presidents and business development managers.
O’Grady will be based in Phoenix and will be responsible for business development and marketing activities throughout the Southwest Region to meet the working capital credit needs of small and medium-sized businesses.
O’Grady has 15 years in investment banking, financial services, market development, and mergers and acquisitions. Prior to joining First Growth Capital, O’Grady was managing partner with Private Capital Alliance. Other previous positions included senior business advisor with Houlihan, Smith & Company and director of business development with Choice One Mortgage.
“The Southwest Region is prime for the type of flexible and secure financing First Growth Capital offers to its clients,” said Jay Atkins, president of First Growth Capital. “Shane has the right mix of experience in market development and management to lead growth within the region.”
O’Grady stated, “I am excited to be bringing First Growth Capital’s financing model to the Southwest. The majority of my career has been in business growth within the Phoenix area and has created a large list of referral sources for me to work with developing financing strategies to companies in need.”
In related news First Growth Capital announced the hiring of Viet Ho who will be based in Los Angles and will be responsible for business development and marketing activities throughout the Western Region to meet the working capital credit needs of small and medium-sized businesses.
Ho has 15 years in sales management, financial services, market development, and business development. Prior to joining First Growth Capital, Ho was head of sales – Western Region with Bibby Financial Services. Other previous positions included vice president at HSBC Bank, financial center manager with Bank of America, and business manager with E*Trade Financial.
“We have been looking for someone to lead business development on the West Coast and Viet will make a great addition to our team,” said Atkins. “Viet’s experience in both market development as well as banking puts him in an excellent position to bring First Growth Capital’s tailored financing to companies in transition.”
Ho stated, “First Growth Capital has an excellent business model of providing secure and customized financing that companies are not able to find elsewhere. I look forward to joining the team and developing originations along the West Coast of the country.”
First Capital provides working capital financing typically ranging from $2 million to $25 million primarily to small and middle-market entrepreneurs with annual sales ranging from $10 million to $250 million. Credit facilities are in the form of Asset-Based Loans or Factoring arrangements.